Water supply system



May 17, 1938; w, F GDEN' 2,117,907

V I WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM Filed Feb. 27, 1937 7.7. -r\ --r m H] L I I I l F i 6 Pig. ,5 19 g i 15 u l 50 v 5b 1 t 3. Wil Ii; Og len, & 0.

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Patented May 17, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,117,907 WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM William F. Ogden, Chicago, Ill. Application February 27, 1937, Serial No. 128,212 6 Claims. (01. 137-49) This invention relates to water supply systems, more particularly to water supply systems for dwellings and the like, and it' has for its object the provision of an improved system of this character involving improved means for draining the supply system.

This invention is particularly applicable to dwellings having a water supply service involving a hot water tank or boiler arranged to provide hot water for the dwelling, and it contemplates an improved drainage system arranged to drain the-hot and cold water pipes of the dwelling without at the same time draining the hot water from the hot water tank.

In the warmer climates, such as in the Southern States of'the United States, it is customary on cold nights when thereis danger of freezing to cut off the cold water supply to the dwelling and drain the water piping. In drainage systems known heretofore, the hot water in the hot water supplytank or a large portion of it is drained away along with that from the rest of the piping. The loss of hot water supply is not only costly, but it results in much inconvenience in that when one wishes for hot water, it is necessary to refill the entire tank, turn on the heat, and wait for the cold water to be heated.

This invention obviates the disadvantages of the former systems by preventing loss of water from the hot water tank when the piping system is drained.

It is not limited, however, to dwellings which are drained in order to prevent freezing in cold weather, but it is generally applicable to water systems of dwellings, and is useful in that it provides means for draining the piping system for the purpose of making repairs or replacements of parts Without sacrificing the hot water supply.

For a more complete understanding of this invention, reference should be had to the accompanying drawing in which Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a household water system embodying this invention; Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of a stop and waste valve used in the water system of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a sectional view of an auxiliary valve used in the system of Fig, 1 and taken on a larger scale than Fig. 2; Fig. 4. is a view similar to Fig. 3, but illustrating the valve in a different operative condition; and Figs. 5 and 6 are sectional views illustrating valves of modified form arranged to be used in the system of Fig. 1 in the same manner as the valve shown in Figs. 3 and 4, but on smaller scales.

Referring to the drawing, this invention has been shown as applied to a water system for dwellings and the like having hot and cold water faucets Ill and II, a cold water supply pipe or conduit l2 and a hot water storage tank [3. In the particular dwelling shown in Fig. 1, the hot water storage tank I3 is placed in a room having a floor l4 above the ground, in the kitchen for example, and the cold water supply pipe [2 is positioned below the floor. The faucets l and II have been shown as placed in a bathroom l5 removed from the kitchen in which the storage 1 tank I3 is placed. Hot and cold water faucets (not shown) also will be provided in the kitchen, and elsewhere in the dwelling where it is desired to use them. The supply pipe i2 is connected with any suitable source of cold water supply, such as the city main.

It will be understood that the storage tank may be provided with any suitable source of heat, such as electric heating elements, or a gas burner.

- The cold Water supply pipe l2, as shown, is connected with the lower end of the hot water storage tank l3, and also is connected by means of a pipe or conduit l6 with the cold water faucet H. The hot water faucet I0 is connected with the top-most portion of the tank l3 by means of a hot water draw-off pipe or conduit I'I. As shown, the hot water draw-off pipe I! is directed downwardly through the kitchen, floor l4 and thence under the floor 14 to a partition 18 of the bathroom through which it is directed to the faucet Ill. The cold water pipe l6 connecting the supply I2 with the faucet H is also directed upwardly through this partition.

Preferably, a pressure release valve IQ of any suitable construction will be connected in the supply pipe l2 adjacent the hot water tank [3, as shown in Fig. 1.

Connected in the cold water supply pipe l2 before the connection between the supply pipe and the pipe I6 is a stop and waste valve 20 which is shown more clearly in Fig. 2. The valve 20, when it is in its position shown in Figs. 1 and 2, opens the supply pipe I2 so that cold water can flow from the supply source through the pipe l2 to the tank l3 and through the pipe IE to the cold water faucet ll. However, when the valve is moved in a counter-clockwise direction 90 from its position shown in these figures, it closes the water supply, and opens the conduit l2 on the tank side of the valve 20 and also the conduit [6 tothe atmosphere through the vent 2|.

,Arranged in the supply pipe I2 is an auxiliary valve 22. This valve, as shown, is connected in the pipe I2 between the tank 13 and the valve 20, and preferably, between the valve 20 and the 55 pressure relief valve I9. The valve 22 controls a connection pipe or conduit 23 which is connected with the hot water take-01f pipe [1, and with the pipe I2 through the valve. Normally the valve 22 is in its position shown in Fig. 3 so as to open the supply conduit I2 whereby cold water may flow from the source of supply into the tank I3, and to shut 01f the pipe 23. However, when the valve is moved in a counter-clockwise direction 90 from its position of Fig. 3 to its position shown in Fig. 4, it shuts off the tank l3 from the supply pipe I2 and opens the pipe 23 so as to connect the hot water take-off pipe I! directly with the pipe I2, as clearly shown in Fig. 4.

A suitable drainage petcock 24 is connected in the hot water draw-01f pipe I! at the end; as shown in Fig. 1. i

It will be understood that in the normal operation of the system the valves 2|] and 22 will be in their respective positions shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 so that cold water can flow from the conduit I2 to the hot water tank I3 and also through the conduit IE to the cold water faucet ll. Cold water, of course, may be drawn from the faucet I I as desired, and hot water may be drawn from the faucet I 0. In this condition of the system, the pipe 23 is closed at the valve 22 so that the hot water draw-01f pipe I! is separated from the cold water supply pipe l2.

When it is desired to drain the system, as for example, in case the weather becomes colder than normal and there is danger of freezing, or in case it is desired to repair some part of the system, the stop and drain valve is moved from its position shown in Figs. 1 and 2 to a position at right angles thereto, as previously described. This operation shuts off the supply of water to the water system of the house, and also connects the pipe l2 on the tank side of the valve 20 to the atmosphere through the vent opening 2|. At this time, it is preferable to open petcock 24. If now the auxiliary valve 22 is moved from its position of Figs. 1 and 3 to its position of Fig. 4, as described previously, the tank I3 is shut 01f from the pipe I2, while the conduit I1 is connected with the pipe l2 through the pipe 23 and the valve 22. Now if the hot water faucet Ill be opened, it will be apparent that the water in the hot water piping system will drain through the pipes I1, 23 and I2 to the vent 2| in valve 28. Hot water may also drain from the petcock 24. The hot Water in the tank i 3, however, is shut off from the pipe l2 so that all of the water will remain in the hot water tank. The cold water in the house system may be drained by opening the cold water faucet H. t will be understood that normally, there will be a number of hot water and cold water faucets. Preferably, the hot water faucets will be opened first, and preferably in the order of their distance from the hot water tank I3, that is, the most distant hot water faucets should be opened first and then the rest in the order of their distance from the tank. After the hot water lines have been drained, the cold water faucets may be opened. The entire system is thus emptied of water with the exception of the hot water tank l3.

It is preferable that the pressure relief valve l9 and the auxiliary valve 22 be located as close to the hot water tank I3 as is practicable so as to reduce to a minimum the amount of water trapped in the pipe l2 between the tank and the valve 22 when the latter has been operated to shut off the tank from the water supply source.

The portion of the pipe I! leading to the pet,-

cook 24 should be graded downwardly somewhat toward the petcock so as to give a gravity flow of water to the petcock. It is not necessary to use the petcock, and when the petcock is not used, the portion of the pipe I1 under the fioor should slope downwardly toward the point where the portion of the pipe rises vertically to the hot water tank so that when the valve 20 is opened in the draining operation, and the hot water faucets are opened in the order of their greatest distance from the tank, all water in the pipes will be siphoned out through the valve 20.

At times there are certain persons who prefer to protect the water piping system from freezing by allowing a small stream of water to flow from the faucets throughout the cold period, rather than to drain the pipes as described previously. This may be accomplished by turning the auxiliary valve 22 to its position shown in Fig. 4, while leaving the valve 20 in its position shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Then by cracking the faucets slightly cold water flows through both the hot and cold water faucets in a small stream.

In Fig. 5 there is illustrated an auxiliary valve 25 of modified form intended to be used in place of the valve 22, and having a slightly difierent construction. The valve 25 is provided with aligned threaded openings 26 and 21 for insertion of the valve into the supply conduit I2, and a threaded nipple 28 for connection with the pipe 23 that connects the hot water take-01f pipe I! with supply pipe I2. The opening 21 is connected to the portion of pipe I2 that is connected directly with the tank I3. The valve is further provided with a threaded aperture 29 in which the pressure relief valve I9 may be connected directly.

In Fig. 6 there is illustrated a valve 30 of the globe type which may be used in place of the valve 22. This valve 3|], as shown, is provided with threaded openings 3| and 32 for connection with the supply pipe I 2, and a threaded opening 36 for connection with the pipe 23 leading to the hot water take-off pipe IT. The opening 32 is connected in that portion of pipe I2 that is connected directly with the tank I3. As shown, a valve member 33 operates between a pair of vertically spaced seats 34 and 35. When the valve member is in its position shown in Fig. 6, it closes off the supply source to the hot water tank and opens the pipe 23 connected with the hot water take-off pipe l1. When the valve member is moved to close its upper seat 34, it opens the supply pipe to the hot water tank and closes the connection between the supply pipe and the hot water take-off pipe H. The valve 30 can be used as a mixing valve for hot and cold water. It will be observed that if the valve member 33 be adjusted to a suitable position between its seats 34 and 35, cold water from the supply source will flow not only directly through the valve to the hot water tank, but also a portion will flow through the seat 34 and the pipe 23 to the hot water take-off pipe I 'I where it mixes with the hot water.

It will be understood that if the cold water supply pipe enters the top of the tank instead of the bottom, the auxiliary valve (22, 25, 30) may be positioned in the pipe adjacent to and above the tank.

It is to be noted that if the auxiliary valve (22, 25, 30) is operated to shut off the hot water tank'from the supply source, while the valve 20 is left in its normal open position shown in Fig. 2 and the faucets be closed, the water in the tank I3 isfree to expand through the pipes I1 and 23 and the valve 22 to the supply pipe l2 against the pressure of the water supply source. In other words, the entire water supply system is open to the water supply pressure irrespective of whether the auxiliary valve has opened or closed the tank to the supply source. Of course, if there is a check valve in the supply pipe, the relief valve l9 functions to prevent a dangerous rise in pressure.

While I'have shown particular embodiments of my invention, it will be understood, of course, that I do not wish to be limited thereto since many modifications may be made, and I, therefore, contemplate by the appended claims to cover any such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of my invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is:

l. A water supply system comprising a hot water tank, a hot water take-off conduit connected with said tank, a cold water supply conduit connected with said tank, a valve in said latter conduit arranged in one position to open the conduit to supply cold water to the tank, and in another position to cut off the supply of cold water to the tank and to open the conduit on the tank side of said valve to the atmosphere, a conduit between said cold water supply and said hot water takeoff conduits, and valve means controlling said last-named conduit arranged in one operative condition to connect said hot water take-off conduit with said cold water supply conduit on the tank side of said valve and to cut off said supply conduit from said tank at said side, and in another operative condition to open said supply conduit to said tank at said side and to cut off said hot water take-off conduit from said cold water supply conduit.

2. A water supply system comprising a hot water storage tank, a cold water supply pipe connected with said tank, a hot water take-off pipe connected with the tank, a valve in said c'old water supply pipe arranged in one position to cut off the cold water supply to said tank and to open the tank side of said supply pipe to the atmosphere, a conduit between said cold water supply and said hot water take-off pipes, and a second valve in said supply pipe on the tank side of said first valve arranged in one position to open said side to said tank, and in another position to close said side to said tank, and to establish a connection between said hot water take-01f pipe and said cold water supply pipe through said conduit.

3. A water supply system for dwellings and the like comprising a hot water storage tank, a cold water supply pipe connected to the bottom of said tank, a hot water take-off pipe connected with the top of said tank, a valve in said cold water supply pipe arranged in one position to supply cold water to said tank and in another position to cut off the cold water supply to said tank and to open the tank side of said supply pipe to the atmosphere, a connection pipe between said cold water and said hot water take-off pipes on the tank side of said valve, and a second valve in said supply pipe on the tank side of said first valve controlling said connection pipe arranged in one position to open said side to said tank and to close said connection pipe, and in another position to close said side to said tank and to open said connection pipe to establish a connection between said hot water take-off and said cold water supply pipes.

4. A household water supply system comprising hot and cold water faucets, a hot water storage tank, a cold water supply pipe connected with the lower end of said tank, a pipe connecting said supply pipe with said cold water faucet, a hot water take-off pipe connecting the top of said tank with said hot water faucet, a valve connected in said supply pipe before said pipe that connects the supply pipe with the cold water faucet are ranged in one position to open the cold water supply to said faucet and said tank, and in another position to shut off the supply and to open the tank and faucet side of said valve to the atmosphere, a. second valve in said cold water supply pipe on the tank side of said first valve arranged in one position to open the supply pipe to said tank, and in another position to shut off the supply pipe to said tank, and a pipe connecting said second valve with said hot water take-off pipe at a point between said tank and said hot water faucet controlled by said second valve so that in said other position thereof said pipe connects said take-off pipe to said supply pipe through said second valve.

5. A household water supply system comprising hot and cold water faucets, a hot water storage tank, a cold water supply pipe connected with the lower end of said tank, a pipe connecting said supply pipe with the cold water faucet, a hot water take-off pipe connecting the top of said tank with said hot water faucet, a valve connected in said supply pipe before the pipe that connects the supply pipe with the cold water faucet arranged in one position to open the cold water supply to said faucet and said tank, and in another position to shut off the supply and to open the tank and faucet side of said valve to the atmosphere, a second valve in said cold water supply pipe on the tank side of said first valve arranged in one position to open the supply pipe to said tank and in another position to shut off the supply pipe from said tank, a pipe connecting said second valve with said hot water take-off pipe at a point between said tank and said hot water faucet controlled by said second valve so that in said other position thereof said pipe connects said take-off pipe to said supply pipe through said second valve, and a pressure relief valve connected in said supply pipe between said tank and said second valve.

6. In a water supply system for dwellings and the like having a hot water tank, a valve having means for connecting it in a water supply pipe between the source of supply and said tank and arranged in one position to connect said tank with the supply source and in another position to shut off the tank from the supply source, a pipe attached to and controlled by said valve adapted to be connected with the hot water take-off pipe of said tank so that in said last named position of said valve, said take-off pipe is connected with said supply pipe through said valve, and a second valve in said supply pipe between said firstnamed valve and said supply source arranged in one position to connect said supply source with said tank through said pipe and in a second to cut off the supply source and to connect said pipe with the atmosphere.

WILLIAM F. OGDEN. 

